InDesign UXP MCP Server

InDesign UXP MCP Server

The InDesign UXP MCP Server provides a robust solution for integrating AI assistants directly with Adobe InDesign through a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This server empowers developers to utilize ~130 tools that span the entire InDesign feature set, enabling functionalities related to documents, pages, text, graphics, styles, master spreads, books, and exports.

Key Advantages of Using UXP

This project represents a complete rewrite of the original AppleScript-based InDesign MCP server, transitioning to Adobe's modern UXP plugin platform. Here are compelling reasons to leverage UXP:

In essence, while the AppleScript version interacts with InDesign externally via macOS automation, the UXP version operates seamlessly within InDesign itself. This results in improved speed, reliability, and cross-platform compatibility.

How It Functions

The architecture is built on a client-server model:

Claude / MCP Client
       │
       ▼
  MCP Server (Node.js)
       │  POST /execute
       ▼
  Bridge HTTP Server (port 3000)
       │  WebSocket
       ▼
  UXP Plugin (inside InDesign)
       │  runs as async IIFE with `app` in scope
       ▼
  InDesign DOM

The plugin maintains a persistent WebSocket connection to the bridge, allowing dynamic execution of JavaScript code which interacts with the InDesign Document Object Model (DOM).

Extensive Toolset

The server supports a comprehensive suite of tools categorized as follows:

• Documents: Manage InDesign documents through commands like create_document, open_document, and export_document_xml.
• Pages & Spreads: Commands include add_page, delete_page, and set_spread_properties.
• Text & Tables: Functions for creating and editing text frames and tables are included.
• Styles & Colors: Easily manage Paragraph and Character Styles, as well as Color Swatches.
• Graphics & Shapes: Tools to place images and create various shapes such as rectangles and ellipses.
• Master Spreads & Layers: Create and manipulate master spreads and layers effectively.
• Export & Output: Export capabilities include PDF, images, and ePub formats.
• Utility Functions: Supports executing custom InDesign code and managing session information.

Architecture Overview

The project's core architecture comprises several components:

src/
├── core/
│   ├── InDesignMCPServer.js    # MCP server, tool registration
│   ├── scriptExecutor.js       # Executes code via UXP
│   └── sessionManager.js       # Manages dimensions and positioning
├── handlers/
│   ├── documentHandlers.js
│   ├── pageHandlers.js
│   └── exportHandlers.js
├── types/                      # MCP tool schema definitions
└── utils/stringUtils.js

bridge/
└── server.js                   # HTTP + WebSocket bridge

plugin/
├── index.js                    # UXP plugin integrates with InDesign
└── manifest.json               # Plugin configuration

tests/
├── test-uxp-handlers.js        # Core handler tests
└── test-all-handlers.js        # Comprehensive tests

The repository is positioned as a state-of-the-art tool to enhance the development experience within Adobe InDesign, leveraging modern capabilities and offering a sustainable future as Adobe transitions away from older technologies. Developers interested in AI integration with InDesign will find this tool invaluable.